Sydney Swans coach John Longmire addressed the media at the Lance Franklin mural at Darlinghurst on Monday.

Sydney will host Carlton in Marn Grook at the SCG on Friday night in the Sir Doug Nicholls Round opener.

Here are some key quotes from the press conference. 

The growth of Marn Grook at the SCG
“It’s been fantastic. We had the Marn Grook game in 2002 against Essendon and to really recognise the great Indigenous players that have been in our game for such a long time has been fantastic and it’s grown incredibly since that point. It’s a real honour to play in these games – not only for Indigenous players but for everyone. It’s such an important part of our fabric. On and off the field the Indigenous cultures have given so much and to be able to recognise that with Indigenous Round is fantastic.” 

The impact of Adam Goodes, Michael O’Loughlin and Lance Franklin on the Swans
“We’ve been blessed that we’ve had some of the best Indigenous players that have ever played the game across any club perform for our Club and run out for our Club on a weekly basis. I’ve been very fortunate to have a close relationship with all of those guys you’ve mentioned and it’s been an unbelievable experience to see them grow as people on and off the ground. To contribute not only the skills they have on the ground but to be able to contribute to society the way that they do has been a real privilege to see.” 

Who’s the greatest?
“You’re not going to get a comparison from me. Franklin’s not bad but I think O’Loughlin probably rates himself the best. If you ask Mick he’d certainly be rating himself the best with Goodes and Franklin fighting out for second spot. But I’m not going to get involved in that because all three have made an amazing contribution, and still do, to our footy Club. Lance is obviously still playing, Mick and Adam were in last week. We were fortunate to have a close relationship with those guys as well and still to this day. They still keep giving to this footy Club and that’s wonderful to be able to see.” 

Franklin kicking 300 goals for two clubs
“It’s pretty significant. It’s probably one of those things you don’t realise until he’s finished up that you actually look back and reflect on what he’s been able to do and still continues to do. When you’re in the week-to-week hurly-burly of it, whether you’re a coach, a player or himself, you don’t really appreciate how big an achievement it is. He’s still able to contribute not only with goal-kicking, which has been important for us as a team in trying to win every week, but what he does with our younger players is so important. We had four teenagers play on the weekend, so we have young kids coming into playing key roles for our team every week. A number of those players are in the front half and when you’ve got Lance Franklin running around with them it means a lot – not only to those younger players but also to Lance himself.” 

Franklin’s recovery from a bruised heel
“It’s been pretty good so far. He was able to train again last week and he’s pulled up quite well again from that. We’re hoping that we can inch forward with the progression of that and continue to manage it the way it’s been managed. There are no guarantees and I’ve said that all along, but it’s heading in the right direction which is a real positive for us.” 

The importance of the bye to Franklin’s recovery
“It’s important for him to get some training sessions in. We’re hoping by that stage he’s actually feeling good enough to keep training. If it doesn’t go back between now and then it might be a good thing that he’s able to keep training and get some real touch and fitness in that period. He’s been able to train on a Thursday for short periods and hopefully that extends over the next few weeks.” 

Do you see Franklin going into coaching after football?
“He could. Who knows what he does post-football? But hopefully that’s still a few years away. We haven’t spent too much time throwing that around just yet. He’s got a great understanding of the game. People probably don’t understand that he’s actually a real footy head. He loves his footy, he watches a lot of it and when you ask questions or speak to him about the game he knows about the game. He can also smell talent and especially when he’s playing with some of the young kids we’ve got in our team – he loves doing that and he’s got a real eye for talent and a real eye for the game.” 

The Swans’ forward line
“It’s an evolving team we’ve got. We’re continuing to bring young kids into our team. We had four teenagers play on the weekend and they’re playing important roles. They’re kicking goals for us, they’re putting pressure on, which is most important for us, and Lance will continue to oversee that group with one or two of the other senior players. It’s been an important evolution within our team." 

Preparation for Carlton
“Our boys are always on the lookout for the quality in the opposition, no matter who they play. On the weekend we knew Brisbane were in really good form regardless of their ladder position. Carlton got to within eight points of Geelong at Geelong in the last quarter so we’ve got absolute respect for what the Blues do well as well. We need to make sure we get the balance of looking at what the Blues do well and getting our game sorted as much as we can. We feel as if we get that balance from week to week pretty much right, but it doesn’t mean we don’t stop looking. This week is another challenge for us – there’s no question about that. We can still keep working on our game but there’s been some good footy we’ve played as well.” 

Callum Mills’ progression
“He gets an operation today. We’re not sure what happens, other than the fact he’s out for the season, that he has an operation today. I’m sure it will be a long road back for him.” 

Longmire’s reaction to Mills’ injury
“I was disappointed for Callum, disappointed for us. He’s a very good player, a very important player. I was very disappointed. Unfortunately for him he’s out for the year and has to sit on the sidelines and that’s not a win for us or him.” 

Thoughts on Dan Hannebery ahead of his 200^th game against Carlton on Friday
“Hannebery’s impact has been incredible since he started playing. He was living in Melbourne, still going to school, flying up and playing AFL football. To be able to do that and get to his 200 games so quickly is amazing. He’s been able to get there really fast – a young 200-game player. He’s a three-time All-Australian, he’s a key component to our team and to be a veteran and such a young age of 200 games is a real credit to not only how young he started but also to how consistent he’s been over that period of time.”